Off Campus Housing Guide Greetings from the Office of Student Housing at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science! We are delighted that you are considering being a part of the University community and look forward to your future involvement. While we offer great affordable student housing both on campus and at the Woodlands, the preferred off campus housing experience reserved exclusively for RFU students, we also realize that this may not be the right option for some of our students. We are happy to provide this Off Campus Housing Guide as another resource to utilize as you search for a new place to call home and as you transition into the Chicagoland area. We hope this information proves helpful. We understand that the transition is sometimes an exhaustive one and we want to assist you, as much as we can, with some basic information regarding the area and some of the living options. Please feel free to utilize the information contained here to begin your search. We wish you well in your home search. Sincerely, Office of Student Housing Please Note: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science and the Office of Student Housing: Does NOT inspect or offer any guarantee for the condition or quality of the rental unit listed. Does NOT endorse any of the listed properties. Is NOT responsible for arrangement of rental contracts between individual tenants and landlords. This information is intended only as a resource to students unfamiliar with the Chicagoland area. We recommend that students visit any potential housing options to consider the best fit. 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064 I 847-578-8354 I [email protected]
Transcript
Off Campus Housing Guide
Greetings from the Office of Student Housing at Rosalind Franklin
University of Medicine and Science!
We are delighted that you are considering being a part of the University community and look forward to your future involvement. While we offer great affordable student housing both on campus and at the Woodlands, the preferred off campus housing experience reserved exclusively for RFU students, we also realize that this may not be the right option for some of our students.
We are happy to provide this Off Campus Housing Guide as another resource to utilize as you search for a new place to call home and as you transition into the Chicagoland area. We hope this information proves helpful. We understand that the transition is sometimes an exhaustive one and we want to assist you, as much as we can, with some basic information regarding the area and some of the living options. Please feel free to utilize the information contained here to begin your search.
We wish you well in your home search.
Sincerely,
Office of Student Housing
Please Note:
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science and the Office of Student Housing:
Does NOT inspect or offer any guarantee for the condition or quality of the rental unit listed.
Does NOT endorse any of the listed properties.
Is NOT responsible for arrangement of rental contracts between individual tenants
and landlords.
This infor mation is intended only as a r esou rce to students u nfamiliar with the Chicago land ar ea. We recommend th at students visit any p otential h ousing o ptions to consider the b est fit.
3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064 I 847-578-8354 I Stu dent.Housing@ros alindfranklin.edu
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Discover Student Housing @ RFUMS
Student Housing @ RFUMS is just a walk away….
On Campus Student Housing currently has space for 240 residents in one & two-bedroom
apartments. Each apartment features a variety of conveniences including:
3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064 I 847-578-8354 I Stu dent.Housing@ros alindfranklin.edu
Table of Contents
Apartment Hunting:
Tips of the Trade
3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064 I 847-578-8354 I Stu dent.Housing@ros alindfranklin.edu
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Tips on Finding Off-Campus Housing
Rent: Be honest about what you can really afford, take a serious look at your budget!
Location: Consider things like proximity to the institution, grocery stores, banks etc.
What type of unit do you want to rent? (apartment, condo, house, etc)?
Payments: Will you write a check for your monthly rent? Where is payment expected to be sent? What
happens if you’re late? Do you need to submit a security deposit?
Talk to the people presently living in the unit and find out about the apartment’s problems &
features, about the landlord, and about the actual utility cost.
Rules/Regulations: Can you comply with the landlord’s expectations?
Roommates: If you will be renting with other people, make all arrangements together. Make sure
that you know and trust the people that you will be living with-you may be held liable for their unpaid
rent or damages. What about the number of occupants allowed to live in the residence?
Make sure you see the actual unit you will be renting. “Model” apartments may be quite
different from the one you sign for.
Safety: Check the security of the building and the unit that you will be renting.
Parking: Will you have a car with you? And if so, does the apartment come with a parking spot? What
about parking on the street? Safe? Parking permit needed?
Get all agreements in writing-this also includes promises that the landlord may tell you or what
appliances and/or furniture is included. Promises are not legally binding unless it is in writing.
How were you treated when you met with the staff? Remember that you’re also paying for
service. Did the staff seem genuine, honest, professional, service-oriented, etc. Don’t be fooled..
Utilities: What are you responsible for paying?
Pets: Does the property allow pets? If so, will you have to submit a ‘pet deposit’?
Do not pay any money unless you know exactly what it is for and get a receipt.
Before you move in, make sure you do a checklist of the condition of the unit. The best
way to protect your security deposit is to videotape the place befo re you move in and afte r you move
out. This will show proof of the condition before and after.
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Considering Roommates?
The financial aid budget allows for $1700 per month for all living expenses, roommates can certainly cut your costs substantially (& perhaps provide some company as you transition into a new area). But be careful about the person with whom you decide to live with. Talk about lifestyle habits, who will bring what, who has a car, etc. Think about important questions before you both sign the lease.
You should make sure that all roommates sign the lease so that everyone’s liable for the terms. Make sure you all are clear re: who pays for what, put it in writing and hold each other accountable for honoring the agreement. If you don’t know other students you can do a number of things to assist you in locating a potential roommate:
Make friends as you’re visiting RFUMS Many times you’ll be touring the campus during formal or informal visits. Get to know other visiting students in your group. They may be in need of a roommate too.
Connect with current RFUMS friends or current students Many of you all probably know a student or two, ask them if they know someone who’s also searching for a potential roommate. You may even bump into a current student while you’re here or have a current student conducting a tour. Perhaps they have friends or have heard similar questions from visiting students.
Make sure you talk with your potential roommate before deciding to live together off campus.
Trust us, it’s okay to have conversations about lifestyle, habits, cleanliness, study habits, etc with your potential roommate. It’s good to be proactive and ensure
that you all are on the same page.
Don’t be scared or nervous-just talk.
Be open and honest about what you’re seeking in a roommate.
You both should be clear about your expectations to determine if you’re compatible.
3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064 I 847-578-8354 I Stu dent.Housing@ros alindfranklin.edu
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Look at the Condition of the Unit or Building
This is a general overview of items to pay attention to as you’re viewing an apartment:
Ext erio r/ Commo n Are as Gen era l —Hallways/stairways properly lit —Properly maintained temperature —Roof doesn’t leak —Heating system works —Outside areas free of standing water and are clean —No insects/rodents —Hand railings where there are 3+ steps —No poisonous paint or materials —Safe porches —Premises free from garbage —No holes/breaks/loose or rotting boards —Basement doesn’t flood —Sufficient garbage cans with lids —No leaky ceilings/walls
—Is the building secure?
Win d o ws/Doo rs Bed ro o ms —Working windows & in good condition in each room —Can you get to the bedroom/ —Properly functioning window screens bathroom without going through —Working locks on exterior doors someone else’s bedroom? —2+ ways to safely exit your apartment —Doors/windows are sealed (no wind or rain can enter)
Bat h ro o m/ Kit ch en Ele ct ric/Wat er —Kitchen cabinet and shelves —Gas water heater is vented to the —Properly functioning plumbing fixtures (drains, toilets, etc) outside —Vents/fans work correctly —All electrical outlets, switches, —Water resistant floors fixtures work properly —Safe appliances —No leaky pipes —Running hot and cold water
Consider using an Apartment Checklist Form as you are visiting apartments throughout the Chicagoland area.
This will provide an opportunity for you to jot down notes and record your first impressions about each property.
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Understanding Leases
Most landlords will want you to sign a lease and most leases are 12 months, although you will find a few that are flexible. Make sure you’re clear about what YOU want. If you only want to consider a 6 month lease-fine, just make sure that you investigate all of your options. Remember that the lease is a legally binding document. You don’t want to get yourself into a situation you don’t fully understand.
Read the lease carefully because you’ll find rules and regulations regarding your stay. If you don’t understand-ASK! So what if it takes the Leasing Consultant an extra 30 minutes to answer questions. If you’re still not sure, ask to take the lease overnight to further think about it and run it by a person you trust for feedback. It’s always better to know what you’re getting into-BEFORE signing the lease.
Make sure everything that you do is in writing between you and the landlord. Prior to moving in, inspect the actual apartment you will be renting. You will want to check for any damage and get those items documented. It’s advisable that you complete a condition report form, take pictures, or videotape the unit. Ask about making repairs, painting, etc.
Remember that it’s okay to haggle a bit. If you want something, simply ask. Perhaps certain things are negotiable. You’re in control and should play your cards right.
Lea ses sh ou ld in clud e: Address of unit Rules/regulations Names of tenants & landlord Right to sublease Amount of rent/month Date rent is due Security deposit amount Right of entry Length of lease Condition of Unit Furniture provided/inventory of furnishings List of needed repairs & responsibility
T ype s of Lea ses: Oral: Oral agreements are binding, but difficult to prove. Even if you’re renting month-to-
month, put it in writing.
Month-to-month: Month-to-month is a contract for one month at a time. The landlord can alter/terminate the agreement @ the end of the month-provided proper notice is given. This lease allows the tenant to easily terminate the contract if proper notice is given.
Term lease: Provides more protection for the tenant against rent increases, changes to the contract, etc. However, it’s not easy to terminate the contract. You are obligated to pay the rent and fulfill the condition of the contract for the length of the lease.
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Renters’ Insurance
Even though you’ll probably bemoan the extra expense, renters’ insurance is a smart move. Most folks aren’t covered by their landlord’s policy, so it’s in your best interest to obtain your own insurance. Remember that if you’re living with roommates, everyone needs to get their own insurance policy. Policies will vary according to the insurance company, so do some shopping around. You can start by:
Touching base with your family/friends re: any insurance companies they would refer. There’s nothing like
word of mouth.
Contact the Insurance Information Institute at 800/331-9146 for nonspecific consumer information and helpful brochures
Talking to your current insurance provider about multiple policy rates
To potentially lower your rates, there are a couple of things you can consider:
Upstairs apartments are usually considered to be safer
Know the stats, call the local Police Dept. re: obtaining crime statistics for a particular area. Usually, Police Departments have crime prevention/public safety officers who can provide information
Off street parking is considered a safety feature, but properties may charge more for the convenience
Safety doors, buzzers, a door man, security systems, etc are good to note when looking for an apartment
and/or contacting a potential insurance company
Whether you live in or out of city limits could potentially affect your rates
Do you have multiple policies with this particular insurance company? You could see a significant discount
It is a good idea to check out your apartment and the area both during the day and evening. Some areas could feel perfectly fine by day, but their character may change after dark. Conduct your research before signing a lease.
Other questions to ask yourself:
Is the apartment within a comfortable commuting distance?
What type of security does the apartment have?
Do you see a fire extinguisher in the apt.?
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Utilities
If noted, you are responsible for the utilities. These bills can add up, so make sure you fully understand your budget. Ask the property owner about estimated costs so you have some idea when discussing affordability and whether to sign the lease.
You should be able to contact local utility companies to get an estimate of how much the bills run for a particular apartment. You should be able to provide them with the address of the apartment you’re considering. Look in your local telephone book for the appropriate utility companies to contact.
Here are some common ones:
Comcast (866) 594-1234
North Shore Gas Company (847) 336-9300
Peoples Gas (312) 240-7000
Commonwealth Edison (electricity) (800) 334-7661
AT&T (800) 288-2020
Chicago Water Services (312) 747-9090
Make sure everything you do with the Landlord is in writing. This could prevent potential issues and
misunderstandings in the future.
3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064 I 847-578-8354 I Stu dent.Housing@ros alindfranklin.edu
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Fair Housing Information
Fair Housing is a right protected by federal & state law. Fair Housing means you may freely choose a place to live-limited of course by what you can afford and what you want. On a federal level, your choice shouldn’t be limited by race, religion, color, sex, national origin/ancestry, or familial/marital status, or disability. It’s also illegal in IL to refuse you because of disability, military status, unfavorable discharge from military status, familial status, or sexual orientation.
Watch out for a landlord who:
Refuses to rent an available apartment to you if you’re otherwise qualified.
Tells you untruthfully that an apartment isn’t for rent. Watch out for lines like “I rented just after you called’.
Sets or enforces lease terms, privileges, or conditions that are not required of other tenants. Watch out for tactics like having to pay a larger security deposit.
Advertise or make any statement that indicates limitation or preference based on race, national
origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.
Refuses to make a reasonable accommodation for your disability, watch out for excuse like “My insurance will go up”.
Tells you that the building has an “adults only” policy or “no teenagers” or that families with kids
can only occupy certain apartments. Watch out for rules like “only 1 person per bedroom”. (Unless a building/community qualifies as housing for older people)
Intimidates you or retaliates in any way against you for exercising your fair housing rights or
assisting someone else in doing so.
If You Think Your Rights Have Been Violated (courtesy of www.hud.gov)
HUD (Dept. of Housing & Urban Development) is ready to help with any problem of housing discrimination. If you think your rights have been violated, the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form is available for you to download, complete and return, or complete online and submit, or you may write HUD a letter, or telephone the HUD Office nearest you. You have one year after an alleged violation to file a complaint with HUD, but you should file it as soon as possible.
You can complete the online form or print it out by visiting h ttp:/ / www.h ud .go v/o ffices/fh eo/ o n line-co mp laint .cf m
Your name and address The name and address of the person your complaint is against (the respondent) The address or other identification to the housing involved A short description of the alleged violation (the event that caused you to believe your rights
were violated) The date(s) to the alleged violation
Other Helpful Resources:
IL Dept. of Human Rights
www.st at e.il.u s/d hr/ (Information regarding your rights and discrimination assistance)
Prairie State Legal Services
www.p slegal.or g (Renters’ Handbook, Legal Service Information, etc)
3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064 I 847-578-8354 I Stu dent.Housing@ros alindfranklin.edu
HUD INFORMATION
For Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin
Chicago Regional Office of FHEO U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building 77 West Jackson Boulevard, Room 2101
www .ap art ments.co m www .ap art mentgu ysof ch icago .co m
www .move.co m www .mynewplace.com
www .ap art mentworld .co m www .p laces4st u dent s.co m
www .mon st erm o vin g.co m www .ap art mentgu id e.com
www .ren t .co m www .ap art mentpeop le.co m
www .ap art mentlist .co m www .ren t h op .co m
www .rotati n groo m.co m www .offcampusho u sin g10 1.com
There is a list of off campus housing options further along in this document. This information is meant to assist you in the first steps of your search process. It is imperative that you take a look at that list and find the property that best meets your needs. The Office of Student Housing provides the information as a general guide to assist students and does not endorse any property.
Deciphering the Classifieds
You’d be surprised by the number of listings contained in the local paper-don’t rule out this source. You can visit their Classifieds section:
Lake County News Sun ww w.newssuno nline.com
The Chicago Sun-Times ww w.suntim es.com
The Chicago Tribune ww w.chicago tribune.com
Many students choose to visit popular apartment hunting websites, but don’t forget about the local paper. One newspaper you may want to check out is the Lake County News Sun www .newss unlo nline.c o m . Here’s a sample listing:
This is a one bedroom /one bathroom apartment located in Waukegan, IL. The apartment has a laundry facility and available parking. Pets aren’t allowed and don’t even think about smoking! The landlord needs at least one month rent and a deposit. And on top of all of this, you can expect to live rent free for the first month.
3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064 I 847-578-8354 I Stu dent.Housing@ros alindfranklin.edu
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So, Where is North Chicago Exactly?
Depending on what you’re looking for, it can take a couple of days or several weeks to find an apartment. We recommend that you visit for awhile to go apartment hunting. Although it can become costly trying to factor in airfare, lodging, car rental, etc-it’s worth it. You’ll want to check out the surrounding area, safety/security, distance to RFUMS, etc. Plus, some of those great deals may not even be advertised in the local classifies or online. Sometimes you just have to be in the right place at the right time.
North Chicago is home to the Veteran's Administration Hospital, Abbott Laboratories, Complete Packaging Corp., and the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, the nation's only naval training facility. You can learn more about North Chicago by visiting h ttp :// www.n o rt h ch icago.o rg .
North Chicago is located in Lake County, IL. Lake County is situated in northeastern Illinois, with Lake Michigan to the east, Wisconsin to the north and the City of Chicago to the south. The county's communities include picturesque rural communities, highly developed urban centers, wealthy suburbs and tourist communities. To learn more about Lake County, please visit the Lake County, IL website at h ttp :// www.c o .lake.il.u s .
There are a number of surrounding areas that are relatively close to the University. Some locations are 15 minutes away, while others are 30-40 minutes away. You should check the distance from areas to the University and determine how long you want your commute to be.
You may want to check out properties in: Gurnee, IL Waukegan, IL Lake Bluff, IL Lake Forest, IL Kenosha, WI Pleasant Prairie, WI Zion, IL Vernon Hills, IL
If you want something, ASK!
It won’t hurt to see if your potential landlord will
provide some items to maximize your interest in the property.
29533 N. Waukegan Road Lake Bluff, IL 60044 (847) 234-2401
Landings at Amhurst Lake *RFUMS 1st Month Discount
(formerly Northern Crossing)
1375 S. White Oak Drive Waukegan, IL 60085 (847) 785-1500
The Lakes at Fountain Square 500 Lakehurst Road Waukegan, IL 60085 (847) 689-4464
Please contac t the p roper ty for more informatio n on current prices
Please Note:
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science and the Office of Student Housing:
Does not inspect or offer any guarantee for the condition or quality of the rental unit listed.
Does not endorse any of the listed properties.
Is not responsible for arrangement of rental contracts between individual tenants and landlords.
This information is intended only as a resource to students unfamiliar with the North Chicago area. We recommend that students planning to attend Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science visit any potential housing options to consider the best fit. Students are also encouraged to contact the properties directly regarding updated rates, specials, discounts, etc. Thi s is only
m eant to se rv e as a st arting po int and rates m ay not accurately reflect what is o ffered at the tim e .
Utilities incl?: Amount of Deposit: Date Available_
Date Needed: Floor Level: # of Bedrooms:
Closet Space/Storage?:_
Item CONDITION: CHECK IN/SEARCH CONDITION: CHECK OUT
Entry Way
Entrance Door
Closet/ Closet Doors
Lighting
Other
Kitchen
Floor
Ceiling
Walls
Cabinets
Sink
Oven/Range
Microwave
Dishwasher
Refrigerator
Lighting
Other
(print for each apt you visit)
Living Room CONDITION: CHECK IN/SEARCH CONDITION: CHECK OUT
Floor
Ceiling
Walls
Windows
Blinds
Other
Bedroom (s)
Door
Floor
Ceiling
Walls
Windows
Blinds
Closet/ Closet Doors
Other
Bathroom
Door
Floor
Ceiling
Walls
Mirror
Sink & Vanity
Other
Toilet
Shower/Tub
Other
Check-in Signature Date
Check-out Signature
Date
Off Campus Housing Guide
Philosophy
The RFUMS experience is more than books, classrooms and laboratories. It is an opportunity to become involved in the campus community, to meet new friends, to network with those who have similar aspirations, and to learn beyond the limits of what a classroom lecture can teach.
The objective of the Office of Student Housing is to support students in their efforts at RFUMS. We understand that becoming a medical professional challenges an individual on many levels and we utilize that understanding to better meet the needs of our students. Likewise, in a community focused on learning, our students are able to put their best efforts forth toward their professional and personal development.
Mission
The mission of the Office of Student Housing is to provide facilities, programs, and services that support the mission of the University and the Division of Student Affairs and Inclusion, encourage awareness of community rights and responsibilities, and prepare students for life beyond the RFUMS experience.
Statement of Inclusion
We are a responsive, respectful, and inclusive residential community. Our community reflects the nature of society today in that it is diverse in its make up.
We seek to foster an engaging community where members are afforded the opportunity to share in intellectual exchange and broaden their personal development. Students will have the opportunity to learn about people different from themselves by living together and participating in a diverse line up of events and programs together. These experiences, coupled with their academic coursework, will successfully prepare students to provide healthcare to a diverse population.
